Mining Expedition of 2001
|
A new batch of miners get ready |
Just like last year we are outfitted by the mine owner with hardhats and lights. The lights don't look like much out in the sun but they are more than bright enough when you get into the mine. To hold the batteries you are given a wide leather belt. This year everyone brought canvas bags so that Guy's grocery bag tragedy could be avoided (Pictured from left to right: Fred, Tegan, Kevin, Amy, Tullio, Greg, Tom, Steve.) |
|
Into the mine. |
The main shaft looks like what it is ... a hole in the side of the mountain but it is a BIG hole. There was a fair amount of water on the ground this year but if you watched your step you could still keep your feet dry. Notice how high the ceiling is. |
|
Doing a little digging along the main tunnel. |
Our first stop is along the main shaft. This area has been recently blasted as part of an earlier tour. The students on that tour were allowed to go through all the steps from drilling to blasting. The lucky dogs! |
|
Working away in the mine. |
Up in the stopes. The miners settle down to some serious digging. We were advised to find a likely spot and start digging. This worked well in some places but not so well in others. One problem, as Tegan found out, was that if you find a nice piece at the bottom of a 4' hole it might be difficult to get out. |
|
I wouldn't go there if I were you. |
This is one of the holes through which the copper and waste rock would be dumped. At its bottom is the main shaft where the mine carts would be waiting. |
|
There's copper in that rock. |
There were numerous places where veins of copper could be spotted on the mine walls. In most place though the actual copper vein (as opposed to the green coloring) was quite thin or composed of many little noduals the size of the head of a pin. |
|
Just one more rock. |
When the time comes to leave some find that great sample just at the last moment. The ladder leads down to the main shaft. |
|
Kevin and Fred are ready to leave. |
Some people take to "mining" better then others. After six hours in the mine some have to be dragged away while others more than ready to leave. |
|
Leaving the mine. |
Tired and a little dusty the miners pose in front of the new enterance to the mine. This new concrete and steel enterance was designed to be "bat friendly". I didn't find the "The big one" again this year but there is always next year. |
